The New York State Department of Transportation today announced that construction is resuming on the $152 million second phase of the 1-81/Route 17 Prospect Mountain reconstruction project in the city of Binghamton, Broome County. The project is reconstructing nearly nine miles of highway, replacing bridges and reconfiguring ramps to significantly improve traffic patterns in one of the Southern Tier's busiest travel and commerce corridors. These improvements will also enable the New York State Department of Transportation to request federal designation of a four-mile stretch of Route 17 as I-86.
The project is reconstructing the interchange of I-81 Exit 4 (Binghamton/Port Dickinson) and Route 7 by replacing the viaduct bridge over the Norfolk-Southern Railroad tracks and Broad Avenue. Additionally, two new bridges are being built over the Chenango River in the city of Binghamton. This work will enhance safety by correcting vehicle weaving and eliminating traffic bottlenecks by limiting merging traffic and lane changes. Work is scheduled to be complete by December 2020.
Work planned for this construction season includes:
- Completing reconstruction of the State Route 17/Interstate 81 interchange.
- Completing the new State Route 17 eastbound Flyover Bridge.
- Completing reconstruction of State Route 7.
- Completing reconstruction of U.S. Route 11 (Front St).
- Completing and opening all the Exit 4 on/off ramps.
- Repaving Bevier Street and Broad Avenue.
- Completing noise barriers construction.
- Completing highway lighting improvements.
- Installing Intelligent Transportation Systems, including traffic cameras and detectors to help monitor, manage and publicize traffic conditions.
Senator Fred Akshar said, "These extensive infrastructure upgrades are an essential foundation for our community's future economic opportunities. I'm urging all motorists to use the utmost caution on the roads during construction season and ensure that our passengers and our hardworking men and women of the DOT all get home safely each and every day."
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “I appreciate the Department of Transportation’s ongoing efforts to keep commuters safe and informed during this major roadway reconstruction. This and many other construction projects are resuming during National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week; it’s important that drivers be cautious as they travel through these areas. The safety of our road crews must always be on our minds.”
Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch said, “I am thrilled to see construction begin again on the second phase of the I-81/Route 17 Prospect Mountain reconstruction project. The reconfiguring of ramps and exits and full replacement of two bridges was sorely needed. This will greatly improve the safety and efficiency of travel in one of the busiest areas in Binghamton, which is crucial to both residential and commercial travel. I am encouraged to see the continued investment and improvement of our infrastructure in the Southern Tier.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “As we continue to grow here in Broome County, State investments in infrastructure like this are crucial.”
